first timer angela is here too. >> anybody can do it if you have the time. i was like a second job. i don't know if i will do it again. >> reporter: her gourd hit 432 pounds. what is the recipe to growing a super-sized prize pumpkin? growers are -- [ inaudible ] >> i think getting your soil just right is probably one of the most important things. you gotta be willing to spend the money to use a laboratory. have your soil analyzed. >> reporter: ron started serious pumpkin growing three years ago and says one hour a day per pumpkin is what it takes. >> the biggest growing secret is make friends with people who are better than you. >> reporter: the champion's secret? >> you have to start with proper seeds. >> reporter: and a lot of water. 150 gallons a day, no kidding. >> it is like gold fever you get addicted and keep growing and tearing out more of your yard. >> reporter: in half moon bay, sue thompson, abc7 news. >>> the weather was nice for that. >> it was. >> and for the rest of us. >>> next couple of days sunshine, a little cloud cover, maybe a small chance of a shower as we look